Justice News

Thirteen defendants have received lengthy federal prison terms for their roles in an Austin-based heroin distribution operation announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven C. McCraw.

Lucy Estrada, age 33, is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday. The alleged ringleader, Amado Pardo, passed away prior to trial.

Evidence presented in court revealed the defendants conspired from May 2011 until their arrests in June of 2012 to distribute more than 17 kilograms of heroin. Testimony also revealed that at least on one occasion, heroin was processed after business hours at the Pardo family-owned restaurant, Jovita’s, and that numerous drug transactions occurred right behind Jovita’s in co-defendant Amado Pardo’s house.

“The sentencing of these traffickers is especially rewarding when you consider the longevity of the leaders participation in drug trafficking in the Austin area. These sentences ensure that the leadership of this trafficking group has been effectively dismantled,” stated FBI SAC Fernandez.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of the Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Guess and Elizabeth Cottingham.